Should I Return for a Follow-Up? Navigating Mental Health Challenges

Q: Should I Return for a Follow-Up? Navigating Mental Health Challenges

Hello： Based on what you've described, it seems that you often find yourself in an unstable state, frequently experiencing feelings of losing control, emotional dysregulation, and deviating from your usual routine. <br>During this time, I still recommend that you continue to seek

Doctor, should I return for a follow-up appointment?

Hello, doctor.
I have a question for you.
I previously had severe depression and was in treatment for about six months.
Later, I felt okay and stopped taking my medication on my own.
Occasionally, I relied on sleeping pills to help with sleep.
However, recently, due to many events happening around me, I have been under a lot of stress.
I’m not sure if this is the reason, but my emotions often get out of control.
Every night, no matter how tired I am, I can't fall asleep; I end up crying uncontrollably.
I have to work hard to let go of my thoughts before I can finally fall asleep, and I often cry until my pillow is soaked.
During these unstable times, I have had several impulses to take medication to commit suicide.
Physically, I experience severe stomach pain that comes on suddenly, and I often feel dizzy.
Sometimes, I lose my sense of space or have a feeling of unreality.
I even find myself talking to myself and suddenly realize I’m speaking.
I frequently feel like someone is talking to me and that I am composed of several different people.
I have experienced this before, but it improved significantly with medication.
Now, it feels like it's returning.
In different environments, my emotions change rapidly, and it feels like I become a different person—sometimes talkative, other times completely silent.
My personality has become extreme, and I barely recognize myself.
What is happening to me? If I can manage it well, should I still seek a follow-up appointment?

Xiao Yu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/09/22

Dr. Chen Fengwei reply Psychiatry

Hello: Based on what you've described, it seems that you often find yourself in an unstable state, frequently experiencing feelings of losing control, emotional dysregulation, and deviating from your usual routine.
During this time, I still recommend that you continue to seek medical attention, even after your medication stabilizes, as follow-up appointments are important.
Regarding the use of medication, it is best to discuss any changes with your physician first, as this will ensure a more stable and safer approach to altering your medication, ultimately providing better protection for your health.

Reply Date: 2004/09/22

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a significant amount of emotional distress and mental health challenges, particularly in light of your history with severe depression. Given the symptoms you've described, including emotional instability, difficulty sleeping, feelings of unreality, and thoughts of self-harm, it is crucial to seek professional help again.
Returning for a follow-up appointment with your mental health provider is highly advisable. Mental health is not static; it can fluctuate based on various life stressors, and it’s important to recognize when you need support. The fact that you have experienced a resurgence of symptoms after a period of feeling better indicates that your mental health may require ongoing management.
Your description of feeling overwhelmed by emotions, crying frequently, and experiencing physical symptoms like stomach pain and dizziness suggests that you may be dealing with a combination of anxiety and depression, possibly exacerbated by stressors in your life. The feelings of unreality and self-talk can also be signs of dissociation, which can occur in response to overwhelming stress or trauma.
It's important to understand that mental health conditions can be complex and multifaceted. They may require adjustments in treatment over time, especially when new stressors arise or when previous coping mechanisms are no longer effective. Your previous experience with medication that helped alleviate your symptoms suggests that a similar approach might be beneficial again.
In addition to medication, therapy can provide you with tools to manage your emotions and develop healthier coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for instance, can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving.
If you are feeling suicidal or having thoughts of self-harm, it is imperative to seek help immediately. This can involve contacting a mental health professional, calling a crisis hotline, or going to the nearest emergency room. Your safety is the top priority, and there are resources available to help you through this difficult time.

Moreover, consider reaching out to trusted friends or family members about what you are experiencing. Social support can be a crucial component of recovery, and sharing your feelings with someone who cares can alleviate some of the burdens you are carrying.

In summary, given your current emotional state and the resurgence of distressing symptoms, it is strongly recommended that you return for a follow-up with your mental health provider. They can help reassess your situation, adjust your treatment plan as necessary, and provide the support you need to navigate these challenges. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and you do not have to face this alone.

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